Biting the air? Chasing shadows?

[Kim Armstrong]

Has anyone heard of such behavior with their Labradoodles? I have not. I see nothing like this from the parents. This woman has contacted me telling me her pup started this behavior shortly after he arrived and she thought it would end by now, the pup is 8 months, but it is not stopping. She said it is like he is biting bugs in the air. All other behavior seems normal. This mostly happens at night. Does anyone have any experience with this?

[Liz]

Yes!!! My Teddy developed chasing shadows around 6 months old...after researching all over the internet I read something that really upset me...a toy that is marketed in all the petshops causes the OCD tendencies...the Laser Light...the little light that almost everyone has seen! Sure enough...It was one of Teddy's favorite things to do...it then extended over to shadow chasing. You never realize how many shadows are in your house until your dog is running around after them! It took almost a month to break him of it...I quickly threw out the laser light and just told him to "leave it" ALOT and began a different game with him to distract him. Ted is 18 months now and has long out grew the game BUT still to this day we can't even use a flashlight in front him! It's a toy that needs to be taken off the market. Unfortunately there is also a chance that it is anxiety, not enough exercise, boredom..the list goes on and on....If there is no reason for him to be exhibiting this behavior they might want to take him to the vet...there is medication for treatment. Fortunately Teddy responded to training.....but he still has a tendency to chase blowing leaves...always notices grasshoppers, crickets...anything another dog might not even see. There is alot out there on the internet about it...just search "dogs chasing shadows!"

[Kim Armstrong]

Thank you so much Liz.

[Liz]

just saw there is a new discussion going on called Doodle Hunters...check it out...they are talking about chasing shadows...catching hair and dust in the air....and those stupid laser pointers!!

[Liz]

No...I sure don't see anything wrong with them catching dust bunnies...I never correct Ted for his cricket chasing or leaf chasing...it's real...and really the only problem I had with his shadow chasing was he kinda "checked" out of life, we couldn't get his attention, nothing while it was happening...it was non stop for about a month! I think alot of dogs chase shadows, just Teddy became obsessed...if your doggies are just playing around and they stop after a bit or can still hear your voice...then I sure wouldn't worry and stop their fun!!

[Kathy]

We had a dog that saw the particles of dust and moving shadows caused by the lights at night. We laughed a lot. I don't know if that helps but that is all I have ever known about. I did see a dog that was obsessed with shadows and lights on the Dog whisperer. They worked on keeping him busy and desensitized him. Good luck.
Kathy and Tia